Beware of activist judges in November

SCV Voices

The least-known and most-ignored part of your midterm election ballot is the section on judges. If you stop and ponder the importance of these elected judgeships, you might agree with me when I say this part of your ballot is absolutely vital.

Proposition 8, which defined marriage between a man and woman only and was passed by California voters, was summarily overturned by an activist judge in San Francisco. I am fed up with some of these judges grossly usurping their judicial powers and overturning the will of the voters.

The good news is these ideologues can be voted out of their judgeships.

Would it surprise you to know that some judges, just like some politicians, are lazy, incompetent and corrupt? Many are just plain soft on crime. And regrettably, many who wear judicial robes are nothing more than political opportunists who crave power and attention and act as political activists.

I utilized a number of websites to ascertain information on the judges. The one I found most helpful was www.judgevoterguide.com, which rated judges from activist to strict constructionist. Judges are ranked on judicial positions, contributions, rulings and statements made in public. Judges are also evaluated by experience, reputation and integrity

On your ballot, you will note three categories of judges for you to confirm, reject or make a choice between the candidates. California Supreme Court

After California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald George succumbed to political correctness and voted to reject the will of the voters and rule for same-sex marriage, he promptly resigned from office.

The Gray Davis-appointed Moreno is the most activist, radical liberal of the three seeking your confirmation vote. Moreno was on President Obama’s Supreme Court short list, which eventually went to Sonia Sotomayor. Moreno is also supported by Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Moreno voted for same-sex marriage and struck down Proposition 8.

Chin is less radical but continually votes against business interests in California. Chin also is an ardent supporter of abortion.

Cantil-Sakauye was appointed by consensus by Governor Schwarzenegger, Attorney General Brown, and former Chief Justice Ronald George. He believes in same-sex marriage and was quoted recently stating, “There is no one truth, only versions of it.” That quote is the statement of an activist judge.

I want to give a special thanks to fellow conservative Craig Huey of www.judgevoterguide.com and www.electionforum.org. I encourage you to log on to these sites for additional information about each of the judicial candidates.

You will find it very enlightening.

Now it’s your turn to speak — by casting your votes.

Roger Gitlin is a teacher and founder of the Santa Clarita Valley independent Minutemen and can be reached at ragitlin@aol.com. His column reflects his own views and not necessarily those of The Signal.